Please vote yes to animal ownership.

[dainerra]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31527357/ns/us_news-environment/t/burmese-pythons-slithering-across-south/#.TvnOLsiIqZ4

they are doing studies to find out exactly how far north the pythons can go. They believe that they might be able to survive as far north as North Carolina. If so, that means that over 1/2 the country could be looking at a snake invasion. Not to mention, there are estimates that there could be tens of thousands in Florida.

the problem is that exotic pets are just another fad. For a while it was monkeys. The average person needs a monkey like....well I can't even think of something lol What about all the people who have "monkey babies"? Did anyone see the documentary on TLC? You can't say that it is in the best interest of the animal. They even have to pull the monkeys' teeth because as they get older they are prone to biting. Some even have their fingers cut off. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/monkey-babies-couples-treat-adopted-monkids-children/story?id=8723105#.TvnPMMiIqZ4

The same with tigers. People want to have something cooler than their neighbors. They rarely stop to think "what am I going to do when this cute little kitten weighs several hundred pounds"

I don't think that it should be legal for just anyone to wake up one morning and say "I'm going to buy a monkey." or a tiger. or even a python. There SHOULD be some type of permit process to buying them and it should include a plan for "what ifs," proof that the owner knows what they are getting into and that the cute little 3lb baby is going to grow up to be a wild animal.

Honestly, some people would be better off sticking with stuffed animals.

 

[dainerra]

here is how a lot of exotic animals are brought into the trade:
http://news.yahoo.com/man-tried-247-animals-plane-165607848.html

 

[chickenzoo]

Yes, I don't think just anyone should be able to buy a tiger, or a bear, or be able to buy venomous snakes through the mail. Most do need licenses in certain states for certain animals. But I also don't believe keeping a llama, zebu, cranes , pheasant or swans should be seen in the same category as bears etc. I have emu, and not everyone should own them...... I try to make sure any I hatch go to good , educated on the subject, people. Eggs however, are hard to monitor. It is a hard subject to walk as a yes or no answer to. It is hard to police and make sure people are responsible. It is a shame that people who do it on a whim or because it looks cool, comes back on the people who truly enjoy and have the education on the animals. When I get an animal, I consider it's life span to mine, it's needs and space, how it could affect others........ Some people just don't put any thought into it.

 

[punk-a-doodle]

Yes, I don't think just anyone should be able to buy a tiger, or a bear, or be able to buy venomous snakes through the mail. Most do need licenses in certain states for certain animals. But I also don't believe keeping a llama, zebu, cranes , pheasant or swans should be seen in the same category as bears etc. I have emu, and not everyone should own them...... I try to make sure any I hatch go to good , educated on the subject, people. Eggs however, are hard to monitor. It is a hard subject to walk as a yes or no answer to. It is hard to police and make sure people are responsible. It is a shame that people who do it on a whim or because it looks cool, comes back on the people who truly enjoy and have the education on the animals. When I get an animal, I consider it's life span to mine, it's needs and space, how it could affect others........ Some people just don't put any thought into it.

Good post Chickenzoo.

Granted, some shouldn't have a dog...or a gerbil. X) Or kids. Or a spouse.​

 

[Matthew3590]

On the permit idea. Unless they have to take a test for it or get evaluated then it is basically a tax and doesn't help management.

 

[86121]

Quote:
X2

X3

 

[chickenzoo]

Quote:
Here in Florida you have to have a permit to keep or sale certain animals and fowl. It is a certain price a year. The Dept of fish and wildlife can come on your property at any time and inspect..... So it is helpful in a way. Many people dont mind paying a small fine, depending on the cost..... But if you add in community service or labor along with a costly fine or jail time..... It gets people's attention. People rather pay then do. They should have more severe penalties for those keeping dangerous or invasive animals if they keep getting loose...... They should have a way of tracing back the animal if found. It might keep people from just dumping them if they can be traced back.

 

[froggie71]

I voted yes. As for my "exotic" pets we have a sulcata tortoise, 1 cornsnake, 1 honduran milksnake, 1 fire skink (pemitted) and a pot-bellied pig (not necessary to permit). I do believe people need to be educated about the care and needs of the animals they raise whether it be a dog or a tortoise or a tiger.

 

[ChickenWisperer]

twentynine, well wrote. I'm not going to vote... not unless there is a distinction made between hedgehogs, cattle, and pheasants and the bears, tigers, and monkeys. There's a huge difference and so long as they are clumped together I won't vote.

Should people be allowed to own exotic animals? Some of them, yes. I think it depends largely on the danger it presents to the wildlife/environment around them, as well as the safety of people and whether the needs of the animal can be met so that it lives a good life.

 

[Matthew3590]

Are Zoo's privately ran or government? Cause if they are private say good bye to some nice animals.